Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common form of dementia affecting millions of people across the world, has been pretty difficult to diagnose so far. There are several reasons why this can happen. Early symptoms of the disease can be subtle and may be attributed to other causes, such as normal aging or stress.
No test has been available that could definitively diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. Instead, a diagnosis is typically made based on a combination of clinical assessments, laboratory tests, imaging studies, and other factors.
But that will soon change, thanks to a revolutionary new discovery.
Diagnosing Alzheimer’s faster than ever
WION reveals the news about the newly-developed blood test to diagnose patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The achievement belongs to an international collaboration of scientists, including some from the University of Pittsburgh. The method is even capable of revealing the presence of the terrifying disease in a person’s body faster than ever.
Thomas Karikari, a professor from the University of Pittsburgh, stated as the same source mentioned above quotes:
A blood test is cheaper, safer and easier to administer, and it can improve clinical confidence in diagnosing Alzheimer’s and selecting participants for clinical trial and disease monitoring.
The test is based on antibodies, and it aims to detect the presence of brain-derived tau proteins, which are specifically connected to the disease.
The researchers conducted a study involving 600 patients with Alzheimer’s disease at various stages of the disease. They used a blood test to measure protein levels and found that the results of the test were consistent with those obtained using a different testing method called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease that causes a decline in cognitive function, including memory, language, and problem-solving abilities. It is a leading cause of disability and dependence among older adults and can have a significant impact on the lives of both the individuals affected by the disease and their caregivers.
